Nanofunctionalized C. novyi catheter therapy for colorectal liver metastases
Development of Nanofunctionalized Cyborg C-Novyi NT for Image Guided Trans-arterial Bacteriolytic Embolization of Colorectal Liver Metastasis
This project uses an engineered bacterium delivered through a catheter to shrink colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308706 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a catheter-based procedure that places specially modified Clostridium novyi-NT bacteria into the artery feeding your liver tumor. The bacteria are nanofunctionalized so they can be tracked with imaging and are intended to grow in low-oxygen tumor areas to kill cancer cells. The team combines image-guided trans-arterial embolization with the bacterial therapy to concentrate treatment in tumors and limit exposure to healthy liver tissue. This work builds on animal studies and early human trials to improve delivery and safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with colorectal cancer that has primarily spread to the liver, particularly those who are not eligible for surgical removal of their liver tumors.
Not a fit: Patients with extensive cancer outside the liver, severe immunosuppression, uncontrolled infections, or who cannot undergo catheter procedures are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shrink or eliminate liver metastases from colorectal cancer and provide a new option for patients who cannot have surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies and early clinical trials of C. novyi-NT have shown promising tumor-shrinking effects, though delivery and safety issues remain to be refined.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Dong-Hyun — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Dong-Hyun
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.